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I stayed silent, too

Both of us breathed loudly, living in happiness bought with hard-earned fortune

Things would be better now

Letting the knowledge settle, I focused on the other man in my heart "V…did you ular food" She paused "I’ll keep an eye on him I promise"

I squeezedour unspoken need to talk about Jethro

Jethro is still heir He’ll end this I knoill

"Jas--?"

How long will he be gone?

I was greedy He’d been awake for only minutes, yet I wanted him noanted to touch him, kiss him, hold him--cradle the truth in my hands But that wasn’t e onwill I have to endure Cut’s whims?

I’d been lucky these past three days I had no illusion that luck would last

Jas is irrelevant You’re mine I’ll do what I pro "I know"

You’ll do your best, but ultimately, I’m alone

Just like I’d been alone when Jethro controlled ed It was still up to me to slice out their loathsome hearts

"And Ke--" I cut myself off Stay in riddles and code Who knehat lines were tapped and which walls had ears "The other one…is he awake?"

Jasle word throbbed with sadness, giving no rooo" A second later, the dial tone rang loud and e away from the cupboard, I placed the phone back onto its cradle Her phone call left me jumpy with hope and desolate with sorroanted the only Jethro as bittersweet

He’s awake!

I hugged myself

He hasn’t left me

Slowly, I padded toward the bed where I’d set down the Weaver Journal At the last second, I changedabout ancient conspiracies and pain I needed to cleanseI had utter control over

Switching direction to the chaise lounge, I upended the basket where I’d stuffed a daian lace

He’s awake

Those tords were now e I smoothed out the damask and pulled a needle free from a pincushion

He’s awake

Better than alive

He’s awake

Fate had finally been kind--the tables had finally turned